Saturday, August 21, 2004

How many computer engineering grad students does it take to move a laptop from one conference room to another? Apparently, three. One to carry the laptop, one to carry the projector without detaching it from the laptop, and one to carry the associated cables and extension cords. This happened the other day because we weren't getting Internet access in the original room. It was funny, we had to walk in formation through the halls and down stairs to avoid disconnecting any cables. Why hasn't technology improved so that you don't have to connect six cables just to get a laptop projecting onto a screen?

I finally got a Gmail account. It's funny that that's a source of nerd pride.

There must be a new rule that says Dodger players must homer in pairs. Green had 2 today, Beltre had 2 yesterday, and they each had 2 on Friday. Pretty impressive.

I have now been to this one vegetarian restaurant in Ann Arbor three times. And even more shocking, each time I liked the food.

I've been watching some World Series of Poker, which has been on TV a lot recently. I learned the rules of a couple variants on the usual Hold 'Em, such as Omaha (like Hold 'Em except you get 4 down cards) and Razz (like 7-Card Stud except the low hand wins). Kinda makes me want to play.

I leave for NorCal tomorrow. Bye!

Tuesday, August 17, 2004

I've been meaning to update for some time but haven't gotten around to it. I had been writing a few sentences here and there, intending to post them, but never got around to finishing any of them. So here's all the material in one mass update.

Collateral is a good movie. Michael Mann, crime, LA... does this sound like another movie I like? (Answer: Heat.)

Went camping a couple of weekends ago in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It was pretty cool.. the campsite was pretty domesticated though, we did sleep in tents, but there were bathrooms, showers, the highway, and a town nearby. We saw lots of stars, a couple of them of the shooting variety. The next day we went to see Tahquamenon Falls at the north end of the UP, which was cool.

Mackinac Bridge from the UP:

A lookout point near St. Ignace (part of Lake Huron in the background):

Sunset over Lake Michigan:

Lower Falls:

Upper Falls:

The weather has been strangely cool lately. It was in the 60s last week and I was wearing long sleeved shirts.. and it's the middle of August. I was here 2 years ago this time of year and could barely sleep because I was drenched in my own sweat.

Went rock climbing again last weekend. Had to make use of our free day passes from last time. And now the new people have their own free passes so we will probably be going again some time.

Went to the dentist this morning. I have this tooth that's sensitive to hot and cold, so I thought I might have my first cavity. But no, the dentist says my teeth are excellent and the sensitivity is a byproduct of the way my teeth are settling in after the braces, and it should go away in a month. Coo.

Next week I'll be in California. w00t. I don't think I've been to the west coast since December; looking forward to it.

Thursday, August 5, 2004

So I bought plane tickets to the west coast. I'll be in the Bay Area for a conference and other research-related items, and then I'll be in LA from about 8/27 to 9/5. So if you're there, see you then!

Been listening to The Killers lately. Pretty good.

Monday, August 2, 2004

I just washed my car yesterday and guess what I find today.. some idiot who tried to park too close to my car has laid down a foot-long stripe of rubber/paint on my right rear door. Luckily it looks like the sheet metal is OK. I guess I've been fairly lucky that I've had the car 4 years and this is the most significant "damage" that has occurred to it. (Unlike my previous car, which got up close and personal with various other vehicles and was ultimately T-boned and totalled. Haha.)

Summer is the time for moving... our apartment saw 2 move-outs, a move-in, and 2 inter-room moves last month. Man, people have a lot of stuff. I like being able to fit all my possessions into one car.